Introduction

Learn from tutors who run our exceptional research in artificial intelligence (AI) and be at the forefront of the AI boom. Build intelligent algorithms and explore the evolving world of Internet of Things (IoT).

Accreditations and partnerships:

Why study computer science?

Computer science is vital to the economy, in the UK and worldwide.

From online retailing and music, to satellite navigation and computer games intelligent computer-based solutions transform every part of our lives.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) means that jobs that didn't even exist a few years ago are being created to meet demand.

It's an exciting field offering endless opportunities for skilled graduates to contribute to all aspects of society.

Why UWE Bristol?

BSc(Hons) Computer Science shows you how to analyse complex problems, design the algorithms to solve them, and write the programs that put these solutions into practice.

There's a strong AI focus, and you'll learn from world-leading experts, studying and applying AI in a range of environments.

You'll develop a solid foundation in object-oriented software development, and create algorithms that use data structures to manage huge volumes of data. Learn how to design and develop innovative programs ranging from mobile apps to desktop applications and enterprise systems.

Choose from modules that enable you to work with industry mentors, or which explore cutting-edge ideas such as the Internet of Things.

Bristol is recognised as a high-tech 'super-cluster', with over 50,000 people employed in the industry. You'll be able to work alongside some of them by undertaking a work placement, with companies such as Microsoft, IBM or GCHQ.

This degree is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), enabling you to become a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP), or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Where can it take me?

A successful graduate can expect a starting salary of £26,000 to £35,000 as a software developer or engineer, depending on the sector.

You could become a software engineer, web and software developer, business analyst, IT project manager or an IT consultant.

Graduates of this course have gone on to work in companies including HPE, Rolls Royce, BAe and the MoD.

Watch: The learning and teaching experience

Structure

Content

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.

Year zero (foundation year)

You will study:

Computational Thinking and Practice

Information Practitioner Foundations

Creative Technology Studies

Web Foundations.

You usually need to pass your foundation year before going into Year one.

Year one

You will focus on the foundational skills and knowledge that you will use as you progress through the course.

You will study:

Introduction to Object Oriented Systems Development

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Principles of Computing

Computer and Network Systems.

You will also be introduced to the relationship between computers and systems, and those who use them, along with the core techniques of computer science.

Year two

You will study:

Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms

Object Oriented Systems Development 2

Intelligent Systems.

Plus, optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):

Data, Schema and Applications

Software Engineering

Internet of Things

Operating Systems.

Placement year (if applicable)

If you study on the five year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.

You'll complete a placement learning module.

See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.

Final year

You will study:

Digital Systems Project

Enterprise Systems Development

BioComputation

Ethical and Professional Issues in Computing and Digital Media.

Plus, two optional modules from:

Professional Experience or International Experience or Professional Development

Requirements Engineering

Advanced Databases

Cryptography

Entrepreneurial Skills

Mobile Device Development

Advanced Topics in Web Development 2

Cloud Computing

Readings in Artificial Intelligence.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Features

Professional accreditation

This course is also accredited by the Engineering Council as it fully meets the academic requirements for you to become a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP).

It partially meets the requirements for you to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Placements

Students who get work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you highly employable on graduation.

Our students have worked for companies ranging from dynamic start-ups to medium size organisations like Gamma Telecom and large corporations like Microsoft, IBM and GCHQ.

Placements are varied, with opportunities to work on projects involving data visualisation and analytics; products in the pharmaceutical, chemical, insurance and energy sectors; pure research in areas such as semantic nets; or AI applications in the aerospace industry.

You'll get help to find your placement and support throughout from department staff and our award-winning careers service.

Fieldwork

We arrange field trips to inspire you and help you see computer science applied in industry.

Go on a guided tour of Bletchley Park, where Turing and his colleagues helped break Germany's Enigma code during World War 2.

Visit the CERN in Geneva, where the Higgs Boson was detected for the first time using the Large Hadron Collider and the World Wide Web was invented.

Attend international conferences held in the UK or abroad.

Visit our partner institutions abroad, meet students and experience learning in different environments and cultures.

Study facilities

Our industry standard facilities will help you develop practical skills and bring ideas to life.

Supplementary fee information

Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.

You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the five year course and then transfer to the four year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.

Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.

This refers to items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.

The majority of optional field trips are covered by Faculty funds, however for high cost international visits you will be expected to make a contribution which will vary on a trip by trip basis depending on location and duration.

Entry

Typical offers

Tariff points: 72

GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Literature or Language and Grade D/4 or above in Mathematics, or equivalent.
We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs.

English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit http://uwe.ac.uk/englishlanguagerequirements

A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.

EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
Please list the units you are taking in your application. For further advice on acceptable units please email us.

Access: No specific subjects required.

Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.

Entry requirements

If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.